Do you find yourself engulfed in a nightly struggle to get your child to brush his or her teeth? Children can be quite stubborn, and the frustration of waging this war night after night may start to wear you down. It is important to remember, however, that if your child does not brush, bacteria are the real winners. Therefore, to help you in your endeavor to get your child brushing regularly, your Rochester MN dentist, Dr. Calcagno, has put together the following tips.
Tips for Teaching Your Child to Brush
- Brush your teeth alongside your child. It is sometimes helpful to make brushing a family affair. Doing so can set a good example for your child. It can also allow you to keep an eye on the way your little one brushes so that you can correct any bad habits and prevent sloppy work.
- Let your child pick out a toothbrush. Children are more likely to get excited about brushing their teeth if they are able to pick out a toothbrush that appeals to them. Let them choose a toothbrush that features a beloved cartoon character, and they just might be excited about brushing.
- Consider incorporating a brushing chart. A tooth brushing chart is a device that parents can use to help their children develop a tooth brushing habit. These charts typically cover a month or more and have check boxes for the mornings and evenings of each day. As your child brushes his or her teeth, check off the appropriate box together. To make the chart more effective, try challenging your child to complete the chart and put a good prize up as a reward for its successful completion. You can access a free chart at the following link: www.loveyourteeth.net.
Schedule a Visit with Your Rochester MN Pediatric Dentist
Is your child past due for a dental checkup? Children should attend checkups every six months. If this window has passed, don’t wait any longer to schedule a dental visit. Contact your Rochester MN pediatric dentist, Dr. Calcagno, today at (507) 281-3659 to schedule an appointment or a consultation. We look forward to treating patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, and surrounding communities.
